Daventry man takes on challenge for asthma charity

A Daventry man who suffers from asthma isn’t letting his condition get in the way of a charity challenge.

Alastair McLaughlin, 47, wants to help other sufferers by running 2,018km throughout 2018 for Asthma UK.

He is hoping to raise up to £2,018 for Asthma UK, the leading asthma charity which offers health advice and support through its telephone helpline for the 5.4 million people living with asthma in the UK.

Alastair said: “I’ve set myself the challenge to run 2,018km this year - that’s over 5km each day, or nearly a marathon each week.

“I started running in 2010 to help my fitness and asthma, and I found that I love it - so I decided I should give something back to the people who helped me. With my medication, my asthma is controlled and manageable, but others struggle every day.”

So far this year has raised nearly £500 and run more than 1,500km.

“There’s still a long way to go to reach my goal,” he added.

“I feel proud to be making a difference to people living with the condition in the UK, and know it will be a great feeling to be cheered on by my friends and family.”

Louise Thomas, head of events and community fundraising at Asthma UK, said: “Asthma affects 5.4 million people in the UK and can leave people gasping for breath. In some cases it can be fatal and it claims the lives of three people every day.

“That’s why our work at Asthma UK is vital, to fund research into a cure for the condition and offer health advice to help people with asthma stay well.”

If you would like to support Alastair, either text ITRN71 £2 (or any other amount) to 70070, or visit his Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/2018km-challenge